OUR ADVICE FOR MOVING TO THE USA

 OUR ADVICE FOR MOVING TO THE USA

Moving to the USA: a dream come true! In fact, for many, this project has taken shape, as each year, new French expats leave France to settle across the Atlantic. Before packing your bags and heading to Miami, San Francisco, or New York, take the time to read our tips for moving to the USA.

Interested in the E2 visa? Read our articles!

Administrative procedures for moving to the USA

You should know that if you want to live in the United States, and therefore, in principle, to stay there for more than 90 days, you will need an employment visa. The sine qua non condition is that your employer agrees to sponsor it and completes the administrative procedures on your behalf. This means, in this case, that to go and live in the United States, you must have found a job. However, there is another type of visa, called a "lottery visa." As its name suggests, this visa is distributed each year through a random drawing to thousands of candidates. Those who are eligible for this lottery must have a degree or have worked for at least two years.

The relevant service, in terms of information on faces, is the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (INS) .

Working in the United States: What to Expect?

It is well known that salaries in the United States are higher than in France. Furthermore, it is also true that the consideration of work takes on another dimension. In this vast country where, it is said, everything is possible, entrepreneurs appreciate the ease of procedures. However, one must avoid seeing things more positively than they actually are: unemployment exists in the United States, just as it does in France! Finding a job in the United States is far from being a given, and, as everywhere else in the world, you have to fight to get your place.

Additionally, while taxes in the United States are significantly lower than those in France, it's important to note that the population is less well-off in terms of benefits. Paid vacation time is limited, and health insurance is expensive. If you're considering moving to the United States, it's important to consider these additional costs, starting with your job interview with your employer.

Obtain a Green Card to live in the USA

The ultimate visa for moving to the USA remains the famous Green Card. This "green card" is particularly difficult for a foreigner to obtain, but it's not impossible. If, for example, you marry an American national, if you obtain sponsorship from a local company, or if the state identifies you as representing a particular interest for the country, you have every chance of obtaining this permit.

There are other visas that allow you to move to the USA, although they are issued under certain conditions. First, the applicant must have already found an employer in the United States, who agrees to assist them with their administrative procedures. Visas to consider include:

The H-1B visa, valid for 3 years and renewable once (therefore a validity of six years in total)

The H-2B visa for seasonal workers

The L-1 visa that interests employees of subsidiaries

P-1, P-2 and P-3 visas, which concern professionals in particular, respectively artists, athletes and show business people

The EB5 visa for investors with a minimum investment of $500,000 in a company with at least 10 employees based in the United States

A more “affordable” way to live in the United States

Going to work and live in the United States: children's schooling

It is customary to enroll children in school as early as possible. In the USA, you will find a good number of French schools (middle and high schools). Note, however, that these schools are private, and therefore require fees. In the USA, tuition fees can be very high. These costs must therefore be factored into your budget. Of course, it is entirely possible to enroll your children in a public school, so they can fully experience American life and get a taste of the language, culture, and customs of the country's students!

Moving to the USA: Does the adventure tempt you? Talk to a French-speaking advisor who will be able to advise and guide you.